Charles H. Stites

Captain Stites was shot and killed when he interrupted three men burglarizing a store in the downtown area of Vicksburg. He had been alerted to the burglary by the sound of breaking glass.

All three men were apprehended and convicted of Captain Stites' murder. One was sentenced to death and the other two were sentenced to life in prison. On July 3, 1917, one of the suspects, who was sentenced to life, told officials that he was the one who fired the fatal shot. The other suspect's death sentence was then commuted to life. On January 14, 1918, the suspect who confessed escaped from the state prison farm in Rankin County. He was captured on July 28, 1924, in Montesano, Washington.

Captain Stites had served with the Vicksburg Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his three sisters.

Bio

Age56

Tour20 years

BadgeNot available

Incident Details

CauseGunfire

WeaponGun; Unknown type

OffenderSentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

Captain Stites your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of and City of Vicksburg! Continue to Rest in Peace.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9